All that eating and drinking had filled her body, and Asuna needed to use the toilet. The restrooms were out in the far outer boundary. Hikaru tagged along to escort her. The middle of the circle, where the stage was, was fully lit, whereas as one gets further away, it becomes darker.
The light out there was barely enough to make out the shape of objects. It was expected to accidentally bump into someone. Asuna and Hikaru did try to walk with what little light there was and what their cellphones provided however failed to avoid a group of men.
'What's the big idea?'
Asuna accidentally hit her shoulder with one of them.
'I'm sorry.'
The man yelled and got uncomfortably close to Asuna.
--He reeks of alcohol.
She held her nose to avoid inhaling the fumes.
'I'm very sorry, sir. We couldn't see where we were going.'
Hikaru apologized along with Asuna. An ominous feeling loomed the air. He shined the mobile's light onto his face, which infuriated him.
'My problem is with her. Get lost, you weak shit.'
The man shoved Hikaru aside, making him drop his phone. The men were having their own drunk party on the outskirts of the concert, and Asuna had regrettably disturbed them. One of them from the group called out,
'Hey, what's the matter?'
'Come over here. A girl just tried to pick a fight with me.'
He gave Asuna a funny look.
'You smell….kinda nice.'
Hikaru got in between them again. He knew it won't be good well if this dragged on. He tried to wriggle his way out.
'As I said, gentlemen, we do not want any trouble. Maybe I can treat you to something as compensation for my companion's mistakes.'
--Run Asuna.
His eyes shouted. At that time, the group of men had surrounded both of them. Their hearts started pounding.
'I said get lost, you weak shit!'
'Hikaru!'
The man punched Hikaru hard in the stomach as he laid down, groveling in pain. All the air inside got knocked out, and he couldn't breathe.
'I'm extremely sorry. If there is anything I can do, tell me, but please don't hurt him.'
Asuna bowed her head, turning off her phone's light.
'Stop it…. Asuna.'
Hikaru's lip muttered. The man gave a hideous smile.
'Now that's what I like to hear. Actually, there is something only you can do.'
The men started to snicker.
'We're going to have some fun tonight.'
They patted each other's backs.
'Follow me.'
They walked for a moment. Asuna minds were filled with discouraging thoughts. All she wished for was for Alex to be here. They took her behind the restroom stalls.
'Now, all you have to do is make us all feel good, and we will let you go. I promise.'
Asuna was on the verge of tears.
'I'm sorry…I don't know how.'
The men laughed loudly, adoring her cute voice.
'That's okay. We will teach you, first take off your clothes.'
Asuna kept apologizing, but the man's patience was running out.
'I'm sorry…I can't.'
'I don't like stupid girls.'
The man slapped her hard enough to make her ears start to ring.
'Asuna!'
Hikaru mindlessly rushed in. He threw a rock at one of them and caught the legs of the one who slapped Asuna, causing him to trip over.
'Run! Asuna!'
He shouted desperately.
'This little bitch is starting to get on my nerves.'
The man elbowed Hikaru on the head to free himself. Hikaru felt the hit hard and fell to the side.
'Maybe I'll have some fun with you first. Hey fella's, hold him up.'
The men lifted Hikaru off the ground as the man again punched him hard in the stomach. He then started hitting his face until blood started coming from both his mouth and nose.
Asuna screamed for help, but one of the men had covered her mouth with his hands, muting her voice. The man dealt a heavy blow to the chest to finish the job. Hikaru was thrown to the ground, barely conscious.
'Now, it's your turn.'
The man grabbed Asuna from the hair and pulled her closer.
'Somebody, help us!'
Asuna shouted one last cry. The men watched the entertainment. The man had ripped the side of her clothes, laughing menacingly.
'That's not fair, guys. Having fun all by yourself. You should share it. Let me have a go too.'
A voice came from the distance.